KPK questions Suryadharma’s son-in-law

JAKARTA. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned on Wednesday Rhendika Deniardy Harsono, son-in-law of former religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali, as a witness in connection to corruption allegations in the ministry’s management of the haj from 2012 to 2013.

Tempo.co reported that Rhendika refused to comment when he arrived at the KPK headquarters at 9:30 a.m.

KPK media relations head Priharsa Nugraha confirmed his arrival as a witness summoned for questioning in the case.

Previously, Rhendika was one of the 35 names listed in Suryadharma’s entourage who went on haj to Saudi Arabia using funds from the state budget.

On May 22, the KPK named Suryadharma a suspect in the graft case, which involved Rp 1 trillion (US$84.86 million). Suryadharma will be charged under Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 in Law No. 31/1999 on Corruption Eradication.

The KPK is also investigating former ministry director general for the haj and umrah (minor haj) Anggito Abimanyu in the case. (gda)